Consumers are increasingly moving away from traditional nailed or glued-down flooring to newer floating systems. A floating floor is made up of planks or panels that are fastened to one another, but are not fastened to the subfloor. These floors come in many different finishes, including wood, stone and tile, and can be used to complement any décor. They offer quick and easy installation, and are much more user-friendly than systems that require glue or fasteners. When choosing a floating floor, compare both aesthetic and functional features of each system to find the best product for your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Check to see how the floor is installed. Some floating floor manufacturers recommend that their products are installed using glue between each board. While this is still technically a floating floor system, it can be a messy and difficult installation process for novice installers. If you'd prefer a glue-free installation, check the instructions for each product before making your selection.
2. Understand the difference between click-together and lock-and-fold flooring. Click-together floors are installed by lining up the connectors at the edge of each board and tapping them together with a mallet and tapping block. Lock-and-fold floors are snapped together by hand, and are generally easier to install. For the quickest and easiest installation, choose a lock-and-fold product. If you'd prefer a longer-lasting, more secure connection, choose a click-together floor.
3. Consider the different material options that are available. Solid hardwood is the most expensive floating floor material, but also tends to last the longest. Engineered wood has a thin layer of wood veneer on top, giving it the look of wood flooring at a fraction of the price. Laminate wood is a composite product that has a printed paper layer. It is the most affordable of the three materials, but also the least durable.
4. Compare different finish options. You can find hardwood and engineered wood in a wide variety of species and finishes to fit any room in your home. Laminate is also available in different wood finishes, but can also be found in stone or tile varieties that can be used in kitchens, bathrooms and other parts of the home.
5. Decide what width you'd prefer for your flooring planks. Floating floor planks can vary in width from one or two inches to over a foot. Narrow floor planks can be used to create a more formal, traditional look, while wide planks can complement a more classic, country décor.
6. Think about the lifespan of each product. If you plan to stay in your current home for many years, invest in a more durable product with a longer warranty and lifespan. If you are fixing up your home in preparation for a sale, choose a more economical laminate or engineered product.
Tags: floating floor, your home, each board, each product, floor planks, stone tile
